Overview of Geometry Based Indexing and Search Tool
Satyandra K. Gupta · University Libraries (University of Maryland) · 2008
3D CAD systems have become very popular in the industry. These systems are being used to generate 3D models of parts and assemblies. These models are used as a basis for analysis and generating process plans. The use of 3D models also allows virtual prototyping and hence reduces the need for physical prototyping. Nowadays, organizations routinely set up databases of CAD models to enable all participants in the product development process to have access to 3D data to support their individual functions. In addition to designers, manufacturing and service engineers are expected to greatly benefit from these databases. These databases are updated with the latest versions of parts and assemblies and hence significantly improve information dissemination. CAD databases for even moderate size companies are expected to be large in size. A product assembly can contain many subassemblies and each subassembly can contain many parts. Therefore, even a small organization that has multiple product lines may add hundreds of assemblies and thousands of parts to their database every year. Manufacturing companies are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs and the time-to-market. Intuitively, if two products are similar, it is possible to reuse information